22 technology
How quickly can you retrieve your data?
That is the next big question. It is now accepted by the vast majority of businesses that regular and reliable systems and processes need to be in place to ensure that data backups take place. Great, says Russell Cook (pictured), managing director of SIRE Technology, but what about when you need to access that backed-up data?
Data backups are too often done with little or no thought about recovery. They are starting to become just another exercise carried out by the IT department, with little or no thought being given to their real purpose. What are the implications of not being able to access the necessary backed-up data in a timely manner when the need arises? How does this impact the business?
More emphasis needs to be placed on the restore procedure. What is the process and how long will it take? This will depend on a variety of factors including where the copy of the data is, eg local disk, USB or tape. If the copy is on a removable device such as a USB portable disk or tape this will need locating, which could include its physical retrieval from the company that is storing it safely. These processes all take time and need to be tested and recorded. Who has authorisation to request the return of the device and how do you guarantee you get the media with the right data on it?
media is used. Backups that migrate through a tiered storage process mean that the backup can land on fast disk and then migrate down to slower cheaper storage. This allows for good throughput when backing up and maximises £/ gigabytes for long-term storage.
The key to both the backup process and the subsequent but equally critical restore process is that businesses need to understand their data. Once they fully comprehend the nature and value of the different data sets that they use on a regular basis, they can then ensure both processes are delivering what is required. Take a moment to think about your own organisation – you would need to contact customers and suppliers, probably within hours of any interruption to ’normal business’, but the photos from last year’s Christmas party – not quite so valuable.
Understanding the restore process allows for the development of and improvements in the backup processes. The IT department is often left to do what it perceives as the best backup strategy for the business. It should be a business decision to instruct the IT department how quickly a system needs to be restored and then IT can build the backup solution to fit.
The alternative, which is having data copies online and not on portable devices, means that the necessary backup information will be readily available, though this could be expensive unless the right type of storage
Details: Russell Cook 01344-758700
rcook@sire.co.uk www.sire.co.uk
Applications now open for leading business incubator
Created in 2012, the Catalyst Centre at the University of Southampton Science Park is fast becoming one of the south’s most sought-after destinations for aspiring science and technology start-ups. Since its inception, the business incubator has helped many fledgling businesses launch and flourish.
Along with coaching and support from a dedicated mentor over a six-month period, free accommodation in a lively and collaborative office and up to £1,000 towards business expenses, the Catalyst Centre quite unusually takes no equity from the businesses it supports.
What’s more, because it is solely focused on supporting science and technology-driven
ideas, the opportunities for peer support, knowledge sharing and collaboration through networking within the entrepreneurial community of the Science Park are significant.
The Catalyst Centre is once again welcoming applications from South Coast budding entrepreneurs with an intriguing science or technology-led business idea. It’s not essential to have commercial experience or even a business plan at this stage – just a great concept and the drive and determination to succeed.
Limited places are available from September 2015 and entries are open now. Entrants are asked to complete a short online form
describing their business idea, and a shortlist will be invited to pitch to a judging panel comprising successful entrepreneurs and business experts.
Peter Birkett, CEO of Southampton Science Park, said: “The Catalyst Centre initiative demonstrates how intensive support and coaching can not only stimulate businesses to grow and develop, but also how this can benefit the local economy. It’s not for the faint hearted – the Catalyst Centre process certainly tests commitment – only dedicated and hardworking people need apply.“
The closing date for applications is May 25.
For further information or to apply, visit:
www.usspcatalystcentre.org.uk
www.angusthomas.com studio@angusthomas.com Angus Thomas - Getty Celebrity & Entertainment
www.businessmag.co.uk THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – MAY 2015
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